Go, also known as “Igo” in Japan, is a traditional board game with a rich history and cultural significance in Japan and around the world. In Japan, the game has been played for over a thousand years and is considered one of the country’s traditional arts. In San Francisco, Go has been actively played in Japantown for the past century, and the city is home to the San Francisco Go Club, the oldest Go club in America. Since its formation in 1931, the SF Go Club has been dedicated to preserving the culture and tradition of the game while bringing the community together.
Go is widely recognized for its mental and educational benefits, as it is known to improve concentration, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive functions. The game is also used as a tool for learning about decision-making, risk management, and the importance of patience and persistence.
If you’re in San Francisco, be sure to visit the San Francisco Go Club in Suite 501 of the East Mall during the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival to learn how to play Go. The club will be hosting beginner lessons throughout the entire festival. Come and experience the beauty and challenge of this ancient game!